Frances Itani's debut novel, Deafening has just been published to great acclaim both here and in her native Canada. The sixty-one year old Itani tells the story of Grania, a young deaf Canadian woman and of the man she loves, a World War I soldier. This novel, one of the finest of the year, will stay with you for a long time. In the words of one reviewer, '"Sorrow can be borne,' Grania's grandmother insists, and there's enough in this poignant story to reassure us of that promise and point to something beyond endurance. Indeed, there are passages here so beautiful that we can't help straining to hear more."
We hope you will be able to join us for what promises to be a very special evening.

Todd Parr's picture books are hugely popular with young children. Their bright colors, simple stories and affirming messages resonate with children. During his visit to Rakestraw Books, Todd will be introducing several new books including: The Family Book. Format: Talk, Q&A, Signing. Grades: Kindergarten. Class reservations essential.

Award-winning author-illustrator Jon Agee makes his second visit to Rakestraw Books to introduce his new picture book, Z Goes Home. Jon's lively illustrations and silly stories are wonderful for sharing with a group. Format: Talk, Drawing, Q& A, Signing. Grades: Kindergarten - Second. Advance reservations are essential.

To celebrate our thirtieth anniversary, Rakestraw Books “The Bookstore in Danville”™ is launching a major charity campaign on behalf the Danville Public Library. Our goal is very simple: working in association with the Library, the Friends of the Danville Library, as well as several local businesses, we would like to encourage the people of Danville and Alamo -- as individuals, families, businesses, and community groups -- to purchase a thousand books for the Danville Library in time for Christmas 2003.

Working with librarian Stephanie Van Ogtrop and her staff, we are developing wish lists from which we encourage you to choose or you may, of course, present a book of your choice. To get the campaign started, Rakestraw Books is donating the first hundred books. And to encourage your generosity, we are discounting all books purchased for donation by 20% and will be placing book plates with the donor's name in each volume.

In addition to our initial donation of books, Rakestraw Books is planning a number of other fundraisers throughout the Fall to benefit "A Thousand Books for New Year 2004" including a bake sale, a special author reading, and possibly an auction.

We welcome your support of this project. Together we can improve the Danville Library, our community, and our lives for many years to come. More news to follow . . . .

In addition to our wonderful brown paper Rakestraw Books Gift Certificates (available in any amount), we are pleased to be able to offer Booksense Gift Certificates redeemable in more than 1,200 independent bookstores nationwide. If we are unable to help you choose a book for your farway reader, a Booksense Gift Certificate is the way to go.